Point of sale (POS) docking station system and method for a mobile barcode scanner gun system with mobile tablet device or stand alone mobile tablet device

ABSTRACT

A POS docking station for a mobile scanner gun system or mobile tablet (tablet) processes POS sales transactions. An upper housing assembly enclosure houses the “tablet” in a “cradle fashion” fitting snuggly around the “tablet”, providing stability and form fit integration. An electrical connector integrates the upper housing to a printed circuit board (PCB1) to the “tablet”. A base housing assembly includes a scanner trigger button, a base mounting plate, a primary printed circuit board (PCB2) with at least one USB, Ethernet, Serial port, scan switch interface and an external power supply port, and a tilting and rotational mechanism. PCB1 is connected to PCB2 through an interface cable connecting the POS docking station to the “tablet”. USB, Ethernet, Serial ports, scan switch interface and power supply within the base housing assembly are fully operable to the “tablet”, and can be connected to a variety of store systems POS peripheral devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/121,323, filed Aug. 19, 2014, entitled “Mobile BarcodeScanner Gun System With Mobile Tablet Device Having A Mobile POS AndEnterprise Resource Planning Application For Customer Checkout/OrderFulfillment And Real Time In Store Inventory Management For RetailEstablishment”, which in turn is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/783,089, filed Mar. 1, 2013, entitled “MobileBarcode Scanner Gun System With Mobile Tablet Device Having A Mobile POSAnd Enterprise Resource Planning Application For Customer Checkout/OrderFulfillment And Real Time In Store Inventory Management For RetailEstablishment”, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,856,033, which in turn is anonprovisional application of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 61/751,906, filedJan. 13, 2013, entitled “Mobile Barcode Scanner Gun System With MobileTablet Device Having A Mobile POS And Enterprise Resource PlanningApplication For Customer Checkout/Order Fulfillment And Real Time InStore Inventory Management For Retail Establishment”; the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The system and method of the present invention relates to fixed point ofsale (POS) docking stations adapted to receive portable mobile devices,including mobile barcode scanner guns or stand-alone mobile tablets,without limiting immediate portability of the portable mobile device andwith continued operation of software system of the portable mobiledevices implemented by barcode readers, inventory, point of saledevices, Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) processing devices, Nearfield communications (NFC), and inventory management capabilitythroughout a retail establishment.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Conventional docking stations for mobile tablet devices typicallyprovide a charging station for charging mobile devices. For example,once the mobile tablet device battery is low, the tablet device isinserted into the charging station and left there until the mobiletablet device is fully charged. Other mobile tablet devices can beinserted into a fixed point of sale workstation and used as the mainprocessor and data input device; however, the immediate portability ofthe mobile tablet device is not available. Consequently, the mobiletablet device cannot operate both within a fixed point of sale (POS)terminal and removed from the POS terminal seamlessly and in the middleof store system transactions. This lack of operational portabilityimpedes the employee of the retail establishment from servicing itscustomers when mobility is required to checkout customers in a dynamicretail store environment, such as outdoor garden centers, high customertraffic periods of time or kiosk sales in a variety of retailenvironments, both indoors and outdoors.

Further, while performing inventory management functions out on theretail floor with typical wireless scan guns, these mobile devicescannot be immediately inserted into a fixed POS terminal and perform acustomer POS sales transaction. Then these mobile devices cannotimmediately migrate back to a mobile inventory management device forsuch tasks as product look-up, barcode ticket printing, inventoryreceiving, store transfers and physical inventory cycle counting ormobile POS sales checkout of a customer. These mobile devices cannotthen be immediately reinserted back into the fixed POS workstation andresume its POS customer check out operation, specifically where it hadbeen previously suspended and complete the customer check outtransaction if so needed.

Examples of docking station systems and methods are discussedhereinafter:

U.S. Pat. No. 8,020,756 to Brown, et al. discloses a system including adevice having a screen and a memory to hold card data necessary tocomplete POS/ATM transactions. The device has an authorization,signature, PIN button and scroll wheel. Branding areas allowdistributors to leverage space on the device. When the merchandise hasbeen processed and ready to be paid for, the device holder either placestheir device in a docking station or holds it in front of a contact lessreader.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,719,103 to Bouaziz, et al. discloses a system and methodfor conducting commerce and sales operations. A sales representativeidentifies a customer, chooses a product, and completes a salestransaction using a front-end POS software application. The sales datais transferred to a central storage server, where a master database iscreated with the data from the front-end POS software application. Thecentral storage server transmits and receives data from back-endcorporate servers and databases and creates a master database containingdata from corporate applications. The front-end POS software devices usea holster that includes a docking station, sliding cradle for a mobiledevice, a card reader, and an infrared scanner to identify products andcomplete payment.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,077,796 to Gittleman, et al. discloses a communicationsystem that includes a mobile communication device and a docking stationwith which the mobile communication device can be selectively engagedand disengaged.

U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20150286252 to Barone, et al. discloses adocking station system for a portable device. The docking station systemmay allow the usage of a smart electronic device such as a tablet, anetbook or any portative electronic device to record transactions and toprocess payment. The disclosed docking station system allows the easyremoval and attachment of the smart electronic device, thus allowingother portable usages for the smart electronic device, such ascontrolling and managing other electronic devices, executing inventoryrelated tasks or personal usage tasks.

U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20130290591 to Schwarzkopf, et al. discloses adocking station which can serve as a self-contained mobile and cloudconnected communication system.

For. Pat App. No. WO/2014/056100 to Barone, et al. discloses a dockingstation system for a portable device. The docking station system mayallow the usage of a smart electronic device such as a tablet, a netbookor any portative electronic device to record transactions and to processpayment. The disclosed docking station system allows the easy removaland attachment of the smart electronic device, thus allowing otherportable usages for the smart electronic device, such as controlling andmanaging other electronic devices, executing inventory related tasks orpersonal usage tasks.

Foreign Patent Application No. EP1205895 to Scarton discloses anintegrated cash register, designed to be used at the point of sale toeffect both standard cash transactions and the associated paymenttransactions electronically, i.e. without cash changing hands. When notin use, it may also be connected to a fixed docking station, which maybe used to charge the batteries, for example, or to connect the cashregister to other data input/output devices and/or othercomputing/processing, equipment.

Based on the foregoing, there exists a need for a portable mobilebarcode scanner gun POS system or stand-alone mobile tablets, whichprovides the ability for the mobile barcode scanner gun POS system orstand-alone mobile tablet to migrate from doing daily inventorymanagement, such as physical inventory, cycle counting, inventoryreceiving, store to store transfers, return to vendor, and productre-ticketing or processing POS sales transactions for customers viaWi-Fi or Cellular networked communication, to become docked into a fixedPOS docking station. Thereby, transforming the mobile barcode scannergun POS system or stand-alone mobile tablet into a full featured POSterminal connected to the POS server via Ethernet or Wi-Fi on thestore's local area network and in direct communication with the POSserver. Further, there is a need for the mobile barcode scanner gun POSsystem or stand-alone mobile tablet to communicate via the fixed POSdocking station with a variety of industry standard peripheral devicessuch as POS printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, payment terminals,weighted scales, coupon ticket printers and any other preferredperipheral POS devices via a fixed Ethernet, USB or serial while dockedin the fixed POS docking station. By providing the convertibility forthe mobile barcode scanner gun POS system or stand-alone mobile tabletinto a fixed POS docking station, the overall technology cost to managethe typical retail store is significantly reduced and customer serviceis greatly increased due to the multi-function capability afforded bythe unique combination of operations between the mobile barcode scannergun POS system or stand-alone mobile tablet and the fixed POS dockingstation.

Currently, that combination of retail systems operations are performedby both industry standard fixed POS terminals and industry standardmobile wireless scan guns used for store inventory managementseparately. Consequently, the legacy store systems technology is farmore expensive to purchase and maintain, requires several differentlegacy store systems hardware/software to perform typical dailyoperational tasks and multiple hardware/software solutions meansinconsistent user interfaces between each hardware/software platform.Finally, the lack of a cohesive hardware and software platform toperform typical daily retail store systems tasks significantly reducesoverall customer service and satisfaction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention provides a Tablet Gun or a Stand-Alone MobileTablet that converts into an integrated point of sale (POS) terminalthrough the use of a fixed POS docking station. A Tablet Gun or aStand-Alone Mobile Tablet customized for use as a mobile POS terminal isconverted from its many mobile retail store systems operations into anintegrated POS terminal. The conversion is effected instantaneously,while the Tablet Gun or a Stand-Alone Mobile Tablet is being docked intothe fixed POS docking station, without consideration to previousoperations being performed on the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet.

There are five primary functional features of the subject fixed POSdocking station that in combination, provide unique capability and valuethat no other conventional docking station provides. The first primaryattribute is simplicity in its operation. The subject docking stationenables the user to simply release the mobile barcode scanner gun systemor stand-alone mobile tablet down into the upper housing assembly andthe integrated fixed POS docking station is immediately available to theuser to either continue “work in progress” or begin a new task or startentirely new store systems application. The second primary feature isthe exact reversal of the first primary attribute. The user simply pullsthe mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet outof the upper housing assembly and the mobile barcode scanner gun systemor stand-alone mobile tablet is immediately available for wirelessoperation via Wi-Fi or cellular means of networked communication. Thethird primary feature constitutes the provision of electronic access toadditional USB, Ethernet and Serial peripheral POS devices common toindustry standard fixed POS terminals directly to the mobile barcodescanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet that has been insertedinto the fixed POS docking station. The fourth primary feature comprisesan overall rugged and durable fixed POS docking station design that willensure that the integrated fixed POS docking station, comprising themobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet and thefixed POS docking station, can withstand constant daily use within atypical store selling floor environment for the life of the device. Thefifth primary feature constitutes the provision of charging power to themobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet batterycircuitry without impact to the ongoing operational capabilities of themobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet. Thecombination of these five primary features makes the subject POS DockingStation even more valuable.

The fixed POS docking station comprises a Base Housing Assembly with aBase Mounting Plate on the bottom that provides the ability to attachthe fixed POS docking station to an under cabinet mounting system forsecurity and stability purposes. The Base Housing Assembly also has adetachable rear port cover, which provides access for connecting USB,Ethernet, and Serial wiring to their corresponding connection ports inthe rear of the Base Housing Assembly. On the top of the Base HousingAssembly, there is an integrated scanner activation button forintegrating the barcode scanner to the mobile barcode scanner gun systemor stand-alone mobile tablet when it is docked in the fixed POS dockingstation. Inside the Base Housing Assembly there is a primary printedcircuit board (PCB2) to manage the various USB, Ethernet and Serialconnectivity options as well as external power. These include a 10/100Ethernet switch with 4 ports, a USB 2.0 switch with 4 ports, an RS-232Serial debug port, a Micro USB debug port, a Micro USB payment cardprocessing devices (MSR) programming port, a scan switch interface andan external power supply connector. Payment card processing devicescontemplated include those heretofore known and/or utilized in thepayment card processing field, including, but not limited to, magneticstrip reader (MSR), computer card chip technology (“Europay, MasterCard,and Visa” (EMV), and Near Field Communication (NFC) communicationprotocols enabling two electronic devices, one of which is usually aportable device such as a smartphone, to establish communication bybringing them within 4 cm (1.57″) of each other. An EMV reader inputdevice for carrying out and processing sales transactions may be locatedon an upper receiver alongside a short edge of the mobile tablet deviceand directly below the MSR and above the scanner, said EMV reader beingend to end encrypted through to the bank card authorization processorfor payment card industry compliance requirements. A near fieldcommunication (NFC) reader input device for carrying out and processingsales transactions is preferably located within the upper receiver andcan be located under the LCD panel or along the inside of the bottomcasing in front of the rotational base mount receiver on the same edgeas the MSR and EMV readers, said NFC reader being end to end encryptedthrough to the bank card authorization processor for payment cardindustry compliance requirements.

Assembled and integrated on the top of the Base Housing Assembly is thetilting and rotational mechanism that connects the Base Housing Assemblyto the Upper Housing Assembly. The tilting mechanism with rotationallows for the Upper Housing Assembly to rotate 360 degrees and tilt 90%degrees “toward” or “away” from the user throughout its 360 degreerotation, which permits the accelerometer in the mobile tablets torotate its viewing orientation, thus allowing users facing the fixed POSdocking station from any position to view proper display orientation asthe pivot arm is rotated “toward” the user or “toward” the customer. Thetilting mechanism is robust in design and can use a metal or hardenedplastic assembly for strength, durability, and consistency of resistanceduring movement when rotating and tilting the Upper Housing Assembly.

The Upper Housing Assembly is designed to house the Tablet Gun/mobilebarcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet in a “cradlefashion” with a tablet cradle enclosure designed to fit snuggly aroundthe mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tabletproviding stability and a look of integration. The Upper HousingAssembly also has an extended table top completely surrounding thetablet cradle enclosure for additional hand support and comfort for theuser and a more thorough look of integration. This table top extensionof the cradle will preferably vary in length from one inch upwards tosix inches. When inserted into the Upper Housing Assembly, the top ofthe mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet issmooth and consistent with the Upper Housing Assembly's table top toprovide a consistent flush surface for both the user and the customer inoperating the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobiletablet's touch screen user interface, giving them both an ergonomicdesign that affords the user to rest the bottom of their palm away fromthe touchscreen touch points while operating the touch screen. Thisunique combination of docking the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet into the Upper Housing Assembly of the fixedPOS docking station transforms two distinctly separate devices into asingle integrated Fixed POS Terminal in an instant. For ease ofextracting the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobiletablet, there are two finger slot recessions on each side of the longedge of the Upper Housing Assembly. These two finger slot recessionsfacilitate quick and easy removal of the mobile barcode scanner gunsystem or stand-alone mobile tablet.

For larger stand-alone mobile tablets up to fifteen inches diagonal, theoption exists to eliminate the mobile tablet removable “cradle effect”of the Upper Housing Assembly and permanently attach the Stand-AloneMobile Tablet onto the Upper Housing Assembly. Exercising this optioncreates a true Fixed Mobile Tablet POS terminal. The presence of thisadditional systemic configuration option adds even more value to the POSDocking Station.

The Upper Housing Assembly has a 20 pin electrical (spring loaded) pogopin connector integrated with a secondary printed circuit board (PCB1)and is located within the base of the “cradle” and is connected to theprimary printed circuit board (PCB2) through a Custom Interface Cable,which facilitates the electrical connection between the fixed POSdocking station and the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alonemobile tablet. The connection is made as the mobile barcode scanner gunsystem or stand-alone mobile tablet is docked into the Upper HousingAssembly and an electrical connection is made between a matched 20 pinelectrical plate located on the bottom of the Upper Receiver of themobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet with the20 pin electrical pogo pin connector on the base of the Upper HousingAssembly, thus providing continuous electrical connection between themobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet and thePCB2 electronics housed within the Base Housing Assembly. Once thiselectrical connection is made, all USB ports, Ethernet ports, debuggingSerial port and power port housed within the Base Housing Assembly arefully accessible to the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alonemobile tablet and can be connected to a variety of POS peripheraldevices such as USB and Ethernet receipt printers with attached cashdrawers, USB Barcode Scanners, USB and Ethernet Payment Terminals, USBand Ethernet Weighted Scales, USB and Ethernet Coupon Printers and otherstore systems peripheral devices that could provide additionalfunctionality and enhanced value to the fixed POS docking stationoperating within a retail establishment.

As an additional feature built within the Upper Housing Assembly, thereis a pair of magnets integrated on both ends of the 20 pin electricalpogo pin connector housing. These magnets are paired with a pair ofmagnetic slugs installed in matching locations on either end of theelectrical plate on the bottom of the Upper Receiver of the mobilebarcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet. When the mobilebarcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet is docked withinthe fixed POS docking station, the magnets connect with the magneticslugs and ensure the electrical connection is consistently made and willnot be disrupted during operation where rotation and pivoting of theUpper Housing Assembly is regularly performed and could disrupt theelectrical connection. Further, it is contemplated that additionalfasteners, such as Cam-Locks® or other industry standard fasteners maybe used to secure the Upper Receiver of the mobile barcode scanner gunsystem or stand-alone mobile tablet to the Upper Housing Assembly of thefixed POS docking station where magnets might not suffice to ensure anuninterruptible connection at the 20 pin electrical pogo pin connector.

Additionally, The Upper Housing Assembly has a structural feature thatallows the payment card processing device of the mobile barcode scannergun system or stand-alone mobile tablet to operate while docked in thefixed POS docking station by mirroring the slot at the end of the UpperHousing Assembly, allowing a payment card to pass through the paymentcard processing device installed within/operable with the mobile barcodescanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet without restriction.Payment card processing devices contemplated include those heretoforeknown and/or utilized in the payment card processing field, including,but not limited to, magnetic strip reader (MSR), computer card chiptechnology (“Europay, MasterCard, and Visa” (EMV), and Near FieldCommunication (NFC) communication protocols enabling two electronicdevices, one of which is usually a portable device such as a smartphone,a “chip embedded” payment card, such as all-in-one cards or “smartcards”, or other industry standard NFC payment devices that arepresently disclosed and utilized and/or may be developed over time, toestablish communication by bringing them within a set range of oneanother, such as for non-limiting example about 4 cm (1.57″) withinrange of each other.

The Upper Housing Assembly also accommodates the operation of thebarcode scanner installed on mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet through the barcode scanner switch located onthe top of the Base Housing Assembly. There is an opening directly underthe slot built into the Upper Housing Assembly used for the payment cardprocessing device operation and is large enough to allow the barcodescanner installed on the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet to properly operate the barcode scanner whilethe mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet isdocked in the fixed POS docking station through the use of the barcodescanner switch located on the top and to one side of the Base HousingAssembly.

As an additional feature, the Upper Housing Assembly can be converted toaccommodate and integrate a variety of Stand-Alone Mobile Tablet'srunning Windows, Android, iOS and other mobile operating systemspreferably ranging from five inches in diagonal size to fifteen inchesin diagonal size. These custom mobile tablets can have an integratedMSR/other payment card processing device and may also have an integratedbarcode scanner. The Upper Housing Assembly wiring harness can bemodified to integrate to a variety of standard and custom power, USB,powered USB, Ethernet, Serial and other such typical connectors as eachtablet may have designed into it. Additionally, the Upper HousingAssembly can be modified to ensure that each tablet is seamlesslyintegrated to the Upper Housing Assembly without a cradle. In thisconfiguration, the Stand-Alone Mobile Tablet can be permanently fastenedto the Upper Housing Assembly, thus creating a Permanent fixed POSdocking station.

Further enhancing the usability of this configuration, a secondary“tilting” feature at the point of integration between the Stand-AloneMobile Tablet and the Upper Housing Assembly allows for the Stand-AloneMobile Tablet itself to tilt ninety degrees down “toward” the user or“away” from the user on a secondary tilting armature. This feature isdesigned for the convenience of cashiers and typical retail customers ineveryday use; it also provides handicap access to both cashiers andcustomers alike who cannot physically position themselves above atypical industry standard POS terminal on a retail countertop andoperate it, given the physical requirements necessary to do so makingthe subject invention even more valuable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages willbecome apparent when reference is had to the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention and theaccompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the main electrical components ofthe subject Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed point of sale dockingstation;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the docking connector printedcircuit board (PCB1) of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the primary electronics printedcircuit board (PCB2) of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic showing the primary electronics printed circuitboard (PCB2) layout;

FIG. 5 is a table, Table 1, of Connector 101 signals;

FIG. 6 is a table, Table 2, of Primary Electronics Printed Circuit BoardConnectors (PCB2);

FIG. 7 is a top side view depicting an embodiment of the subject TabletGun or mobile tablet fixed point of sale docking station;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view depicting the Tablet Gun or mobile tabletfixed point of sale docking station of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a first side view depicting the Tablet Gun or mobile tabletfixed point of sale docking station of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a second side view of the Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixedpoint of sale docking station of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed pointof sale docking station of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a back view of the Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed point ofsale docking station of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the Tablet Gun or mobile tabletfixed point of sale docking station of FIG. 7, taken along line x-x;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view depicting an alternative embodiment ofthe internal functions of the Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed point ofsale docking station of FIG. 7, taken along line x-x;

FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of the left and right covers of the deviceof FIG. 7;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the subjectTablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed point of sale docking station;

FIG. 17 shows a view of the docking station of FIG. 16 with the topcovering removed;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the docking station of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of each of the components of the dockingstation device of FIG. 16 as it is being assembled;

FIG. 20 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the docking stationdevice;

FIG. 21 is a front plan view of an embodiment of the docking stationdevice; and

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the docking stationdevice wherein no case is provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is directed toward the mobile barcode scanner gunsystem or stand-alone mobile tablet transforming into a fixed point ofsale (POS) terminal through the use of the subject invention fixed POSdocking station. Advantageously, the mobile barcode scanner gun systemor stand-alone mobile tablet, customized for use as a mobile storesystems terminal, is transformed into an integrated fixed POS terminalwhile being docked into the fixed POS docking station. Thistransformation is instantaneous, and is effected without considerationto any operation being performed on the mobile barcode scanner gunsystem or stand-alone mobile tablet.

As used herein, the term “fixed” means a docking station wherein theportable mobile device is docked or placed for charging, providingaccess to a power supply, providing a docking base, and to peripheraldevices or auxiliary features. The docking station itself may be on afixed terminal or on a mobile terminal or cart with wheels, for example.

The term “Tablet Gun”, as used herein, means a mobile barcode scannergun system or a mobile barcode scanner gun system with mobile tabletdevice having a mobile POS and enterprise resource planning applicationfor customer checkout/order fulfillment and real time in store inventorymanagement for retail establishment, as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No.8,856,033.

The term “Stand-Alone Mobile Tablet” is intended to mean a mobile tabletdevice having software to execute a mobile POS and enterprise resourceplanning application for customer checkout/order fulfillment and realtime in store inventory management for retail establishment.

The term “Payment card processing device(s)” means card processingdevices heretofore known and/or utilized in the payment card processingfield, including, but not limited to, magnetic strip reader (MSR),computer card chip technology (“Europay, MasterCard, and Visa” (EMV),Near Field Communication (NFC) communication protocols enabling twoelectronic devices, one of which is usually a portable device such as asmartphone, to establish communication by bringing them within 4 cm (2in) of each other, and/or other “proximity card” technologies.

The subject invention was designed with five primary unique attributesin mind. The first primary feature affords operational simplicity. Theuser simply releases/places the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet down into the Upper Housing Assembly and themobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet is guidedor channeled into the Upper Housing Assembly to fit snugly in the“cradle” with no more than gravitational force exercised. Once cradled,the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet isphysically matched to a spring loaded 20 pin electrical pogo pinconnector integrated within the Upper Housing Assembly with acorresponding 20 pin electrical plate integrated on the bottom of themobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet. Theelectrical connection between the 20 pin electrical pogo pin connectorand the corresponding 20 pin electrical plate becomes sturdier by usinga pair of corresponding magnets integrated on either side of the 20 pinelectrical pogo pin connector and a pair of magnetic slugs mounted oneither side of the 20 pin electrical plate. Once the mobile barcodescanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet has beeninserted/released into the Upper Housing Assembly, the newly“integrated” Fixed POS Terminal is immediately available to the user,who can then resume systemic operations of whatever application taskpresently in progress or begin a new task or application if desired.

The second primary feature is the exact reversal of the first primaryfeature. The user simply pulls the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet up and out of the Upper Housing Assembly andthe mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet usingtheir thumb and index finger inserted into the provided “recesses” oneach side of the longest edge of the Upper Housing Assembly. The mobilebarcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet is immediatelyavailable to the user to either continue working within the applicationpreviously in use while docked or begin a new task or application. Uponremoval of the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobiletablet, the device is now running on its own batteries and operatingover Wi-Fi or Cellular means of networked connectivity without anyoperational disruption whatsoever.

The third primary feature provides electronic access to additional USB,Ethernet and Serial peripheral devices, common to industry standardfixed POS terminals, directly from the mobile barcode scanner gun systemor stand-alone mobile tablet upon insertion into the fixed POS dockingstation. While operating as a mobile device, the mobile barcode scannergun system or stand-alone mobile tablet is somewhat limited in theircapability to operate peripheral POS hardware such as POS receiptprinters, POS payment terminals, weighted scales, coupon printers,flat-bed barcode scanners, additional hand held scanners and customerdisplays and they simply cannot connect via Ethernet to a store network.Once the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tabletis docked within the fixed POS docking station, they have electronicaccess to 4 USB 2.0 ports, 4 10/100 Ethernet ports, a Micro USB debugport, a Micro USB MSR programming port and a scan switch interfacecorresponding to a scanner actuator mounted on the top of the BaseHousing Assembly. Consequently, the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet can now access and support a wide variety ofPOS peripheral hardware typical to fixed POS terminals such as industrystandard POS Receipt Printers, POS Payment Terminals, Weighted Scales,Coupon Printers, Flat-Bed Barcode Scanners, Additional Hand HeldScanners, Customer Displays and other POS peripheral hardware.

The fourth primary feature is an overall rugged and durable fixed POSdocking station design that will ensure that the integrated Fixed POSTerminal, comprised of both the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet and the fixed POS docking station, canwithstand constant daily use within a typical store selling floorenvironment for the life of the device, which preferably will be as longas 5 to 7 years and beyond.

The fifth primary feature provides charging power to the mobile barcodescanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet's internal batterycircuitry without impact to the operational capabilities of eitherdevice. Inasmuch as the Tablet Gun and Stand-Alone Mobile Tablet aremobile POS/generic store systems terminals using Wi-Fi or Cellular meansof networked communication within their operating environment, eitherdevice operates using an internal battery source. As each devicedepletes its battery charge, it is important in a fluid retailenvironment that the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alonemobile tablet can be docked within the fixed POS docking station andcontinue to perform its typical store systems application operations asneeded while recharging the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet's internal batteries simultaneously.

Operationally, the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alonemobile tablet can be converted from a mobile store systems device,operating free from a fixed terminal or workstation via Wi-Fi orCellular means of communication, to a Fixed POS Terminal simply byinserting the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobiletablet into the Upper Housing Assembly. Once inserted into the fixed POSdocking station, the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alonemobile tablet has a number of additional POS peripheral devices it canaccess through the electrical (EE) design of the fixed POS dockingstation. Those additional systemic capabilities are provided throughspecific electronic components including four 10/100 Ethernet ports,four USB 2.0 ports, two micro USB ports, one RS-232 Serial debug port, ascan switch interface and a power port available to the mobile barcodescanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet.

The electrical connectivity between the Tablet Gun or the Stand-AloneMobile Tablet and the fixed POS docking station is made through anintegrated secondary printed circuit board (PCB1) and a 20 pinelectrical pogo pin connector mounted within the Upper Housing Assemblywith 20 electrical connection points and a matching electrical platewith 20 individual contacts mounted on the underside of the Tablet Gunor mobile tablet. To ensure a stable and consistent electricalconnection is made each and every time with the mobile barcode scannergun system or stand-alone mobile tablet, there are two magnets mountedat each end of the 20 pin electrical pogo pin connector and twocorresponding magnetic slugs on either end of the correspondingelectrical plate.

The fixed POS docking station has a Base Housing Assembly thatpreferably ranges from 8 inches to 14 inches front to back, 8 inches to14 inches left to right and stands 1 to 3 inches in height. The size ofthe Base Housing Assembly directly correlates to the size of the mobilebarcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet that will beused in the Upper Housing Assembly. The larger and heavier the mobiledevice used in the Upper Housing Assembly, the bigger the Base HousingAssembly needs to be for overall balance and stability.

Inside the Base Housing Assembly resides a variety electricalcomponents. These electrical components are all integrated into theprimary printed circuit board (PCB2). Integrated within the PCB2 are thefollowing electrical components: A 10/100 Ethernet Switch with 4external ports, a USB 2.0 Switch with 4 external ports, an RS-232 Serialdebug port, a Micro USB debug port, a Micro USB MSR programming port, ascan switch interface and an external power supply connector.

In further electrical (EE) detail, the fixed POS docking station is anexemplary embodiment of a method for “docking” the mobile barcodescanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet for recharging purposes,as well as to break out signals from the mobile barcode scanner gunsystem or stand-alone mobile tablet and connect peripheral devices in amanner such as to create a fully functional POS system. In order toaccomplish these goals, the fixed POS docking station embodies a numberof connectors, cables and electronics, in a custom enclosure thataccommodates the unique form factor of the fixed POS docking station.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the main electrical components of thesubject Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed point of sale docking station,shown generally at 100. FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of thedocking connector printed circuit board (PCB1) of FIG. 1. FIG. 3illustrates a block diagram of the primary electronics printed circuitboard (PCB2) of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic showing theprimary electronics printed circuit board (PCB2) layout. FIG. 5illustrates a table, Table 1, of Connector 101 signals. FIG. 6illustrates a table, Table 2, of Primary Electronics Printed CircuitBoard Connectors (PCB2).

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the fixed POS docking station functionality isprovided by a Docking Connector Interface Secondary Printed CircuitBoard (PCB1) shown as in FIG. 1 at 101, having a Custom Interface Cable102 interfacing with a Primary Printed Circuit Board (PCB2) 103. Anexternal power supply is shown at 104.

The PCB1 interface 101 provides the primary direct electrical interfaceto the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tabletwhen it is inserted into the fixed POS docking station. In order to dothis, PCB1 utilizes a set of spring loaded electrical pogo pins, shownin FIG. 2 at 201, which mate with matching electrical contacts on themobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet. Thesepins carry power to the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alonemobile tablet, as well as USB data signals, Ethernet data signals,RS-232C serial data signals, dock detection signals, magnetic stripereader (MSR) data signals, and external scan button signals. The I/Ocarried on the connector is listed in Table 1 of FIG. 5. Signals arecarried using routed copper traces on PCB1 from the pogo pin connector201 through the circuitry of PCB1 to the Custom Interface CableConnector 202, which allows attachment of the Custom Interface Cable102, FIG. 1, which connects PCB1 101, FIG. 1 to PCB2 103.

The fixed POS docking station Interface Cable 102, FIG. 1, consists of aCustom Interface Cable which carries signals from PCB1 101 to PCB2 103.All signals from the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alonemobile tablet are carried to PCB2 103 through this Custom InterfaceCable. The cable is designed with flexibility and a protective cablesleeve given the Upper Housing Assembly can move on one or two pivotpoints in its normal operation.

PCB2 103 breaks out all signals from the Custom Interface Cable 102 andelectrically connects the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet to the various electrical interface componentsof the fixed POS docking station. As illustrated by way of FIG. 3, theseelectrical interface components consist of a power supply 301, anonboard Ethernet switch 302, an onboard 4 port USB hub 303, a MagneticStripe Reader (MSR) programming USB port interface 304, a diagnosticsand debug USB port interface 305, an RS-232C asynchronous serial portinterface 306, and the external scan switch interface 307.

FIG. 4 shows a typical physical layout of an exemplary implementation ofthe fixed POS docking station primary electronics PCB2. PCB2 provides anumber of connectors in order to interface with both the CustomInterface Cable 102 of FIG. 1 and external devices that are common to aretail store systems POS environment. These external connectors areshown in FIG. 4, and are labeled J1 through J9, and are described inTable 2, set forth as FIG. 6.

The Power Supply 401 of FIG. 4 receives input power from the ACelectrical grid through an input power connector J1 and produces DCpower at various voltage levels as appropriate to the mobile barcodescanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet and to the electronicsdevices comprising PCB2. The AC main power can optionally be steppeddown to lower DC voltages by an external power supply 104 (FIG. 1).Output power from the power supply 401 is distributed through the copperlayers of PCB2 to the Custom Interface Cable connector J9 and routed tothe custom interface cable 102 (FIG. 1), and to the various electroniccomponents on PCB1.

The Ethernet Switch 402 consists of various components comprising a five(5) port Ethernet switch, with one port connected to the mobile barcodescanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet via the Custom InterfaceCable connector J9 and the additional four (4) ports being provided forconnection of the POS terminal components and other network devices viathe 4 port Ethernet port connectors (FIG. 4, J2-1, J2-2, J2-3, J2-4),which is a 4 port Ethernet connector jack. The Ethernet switch 402 actsas a general purpose network switch for POS terminal components evenwhen the Tablet Gun is not docked in the fixed POS docking station. Thisallows for connection of other networking components that might need tofunction even when the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alonemobile tablet is not docked within the fixed POS docking station.

The USB hub 403 consists of multiple devices that collectively comprisea 4-port USB hub controller, including a USB power controller and 4Type-A USB ports. The external USB ports are made available via dual-USBjacks, J3 and J4, for connection of external POS USB peripherals andother USB devices. USB connectivity to the mobile barcode scanner gunsystem or stand-alone mobile tablet on the USB hub host port is throughUSB connector J9. When the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet is docked, the hub detects the presence of themobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet as theUSB master device, and powers up the USB ports and any attached USBperipherals. In absence of the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet, the attached USB devices may be powered downto conserve power.

The Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR) interface 404 provides direct USBconnectivity between the MSR that is integrated into the mobile barcodescanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet via the Custom InterfaceCable connector J9 and an external Micro USB connector J5. This allowsfor reprogramming of encryption data in the MSR device in the mobilebarcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet as required bythe credit card processor.

The Debug and Diagnostics Interface 405 provides a USB host connectionbetween the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobiletablet via the Custom Interface Cable connector J9 and an external MicroUSB connector J6. This interface allows for reprogramming, debug anddiagnostic operation of the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet when a PC or laptop system is connected to theexternal Micro USB connector port J6 prior to insertion of the mobilebarcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet into the fixedPOS docking station. When no PC is connected to the Micro USB connectorport J6 prior to docking the mobile barcode scanner gun system orstand-alone mobile tablet, the debug and diagnostics port will remaininactive.

The Serial Interface 406 consists of logic to connect the mobile barcodescanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet via the Custom InterfaceCable connector J9 to an RS-232C Asynchronous serial port J7, whichallows the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobiletablet to connect to RS-232C devices such as printers and modems, whileresiding in the fixed POS docking station.

Scan Switch Interface 407 provides a connection from the mobile barcodescanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet via the Custom InterfaceCable connector J9 to a two wire switch interface connector J8, to whichan external switch may be connected. This switch is operative toremotely engage the barcode scanner that is an integral part of themobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alone mobile tablet. Theremote scan switch will typically be installed on the Base HousingAssembly, in a position easily accessible to the user.

FIG. 7 shows a top side view of an embodiment of the subject Tablet Gunor mobile tablet fixed point of sale docking station. FIG. 8 shows a topplan view of the Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed point of sale dockingstation of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows a first side view of the Tablet Gun ormobile tablet fixed point of sale docking station of FIG. 7. FIG. 10shows a second side view of the Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed pointof sale docking station of FIG. 7. FIG. 11 shows a front view of theTablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed point of sale docking station of FIG.7. FIG. 12 shows a back view of the Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixedpoint of sale docking station of FIG. 7. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectionalview of the Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed point of sale dockingstation of FIG. 7, taken along line x-x.

Referring to FIGS. 7-13, the point of sale (POS) docking station 700 fora mobile scanner gun system with mobile tablet device having an upperreceiver for processing a retail store POS sales transactions has anupper housing assembly 701 adapted to house a mobile barcode scanner gunsystem 720 (FIG. 13) with a table 721, as shown, in a “cradle fashion”.A tablet cradle enclosure 702 is provided having a base 703 in a topframe 705 with a body 704 and designed to receive and fit snuggly aroundthe mobile barcode scanner gun system 720 with mobile tablet device 721providing stability and a look of integration. Preferably, the top frame705 includes two finger slot recessions 709 on each side of a long edge708 of the upper housing assembly 701 to provide quick and easy removalof the mobile barcode scanner gun system 720 with mobile tablet device721. A pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pin connector having ahousing integrated with a secondary printed circuit board (PCB1),located within the base of the tablet cradle enclosure [see FIG. 19].

A base housing assembly 750 is provided comprising a top portion 751with an integrated scanner activation button 752 for use with a barcodescanner integrated with the mobile barcode scanner gun system withmobile tablet device when docked in the POS docking station. A basemounting plate 752 is provided, adapted for attachment to an undercabinet mounting system to provide security and stability to the pointof sale (POS) docking station. Preferably the base housing assemblyfurther comprises a detachable rear port cover 753 for access within thehousing. A primary printed circuit board (PCB2) located on the basemounting plate operates with at least one USB, Ethernet, debuggingSerial ports, scan switch interface and an external power supply port[see FIG. 19]. The top portion 751 further includes a tilting androtational mechanism 755 that connects the base housing assembly 750 tothe upper housing assembly 701. The tilting mechanism and rotationalmechanism is adapted to allow the upper housing assembly to rotate andtilt “toward” or “away” from a user throughout its rotation allowing theuser proper viewing orientation of the POS docking station from anyposition. The secondary printed circuit board (PCB1) is connected to theprimary printed circuit board (PCB2) through a custom interface cableoperable to facilitate electrical communication between the POS dockingstation and the mobile barcode scanner gun system with mobile tabletdevice. USB, Ethernet, debugging Serial ports, scan switch interface andpower supply port housed within the base housing assembly are fullyoperable with the mobile barcode scanner gun system with mobile tabletdevice and can be connected to a variety of POS peripheral devices andother store systems peripheral devices.

The upper housing assembly further preferably includes an extended tabletop/table top extension 706 extending from and surrounding the tabletcradle enclosure 702. The extended table top 706 extends flush from thetop frame/bracket 705 of the table cradle enclosure 702. It is adaptedto provide additional hand support and comfort for a user and a morethorough look of integration. Preferably, the table top extension 706completely surrounds a top bracket/frame 705 of the tablet cradleenclosure. As constructed, the table top extension 706 provides anenhanced surface area for the user to rest his/her hands and to providefor an ergonomically constructed device. Preferably, the table topextension 706 has a length ranging from one inch to six inches.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of theinternal functions of the Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed point ofsale docking station of FIG. 7, taken along line x-x, shown generally at1400. An upper housing assembly 1401 is provided to house a mobilebarcode scanner gun system 1420 with a table 1421. A tablet cradleenclosure 1402 is provided with a base 1403 having a body 1404 and a topframe 1405 designed to receive and fit snuggly around the mobile barcodescanner gun system 1420 with mobile tablet device 1421, providingstability and a look of integration. A pin electrical (spring loaded)pogo pin connector 1430 having a housing integrated with a secondaryprinted circuit board (PCB1) is located within the base of the tabletcradle enclosure 1402. A base housing assembly 1450 comprises a topportion 1451 and a base mounting plate 1452. Base housing assembly 1450includes left 1450′ and right 1450″ covers (see FIG. 15 for view ofcovers). A primary printed circuit board (PCB2) 1455 is located on thebase mounting plate 1452 operable with at least one USB, Ethernet,debugging Serial ports, scan switch interface and an external powersupply port. The top portion 1451 further includes a tilting androtational mechanism 1455 that connects the base housing assembly 1450to the upper housing assembly 1401.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the left 1501 and right 1502 covers ofthe device of FIG. 7. Left cover 1501 includes a Locks Pistol Grip 1503that Prevents Removal of the Tablet, and hard attachment points 1504.Right cover 1502 includes hard attachment points 1505.

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of thesubject Tablet Gun or mobile tablet fixed point of sale docking station.FIG. 17 shows a view of the docking station of FIG. 16 with the topcovering removed. FIG. 18 shows a top plan view of the FIG. 17. FIG. 19shows a top plan view of each of the components of the docking stationdevice of FIG. 16 as it is being assembled.

Referring to FIGS. 16-19, the point of sale (POS) docking station 1600is adapted to receive a mobile scanner gun system with mobile tabletdevice 1620 (or stand-alone mobile tablet) having an upper receiver 1622for processing a retail store POS sales transaction. The docking station1600 has an upper housing assembly 1601 constructed having a tabletcradle enclosure 1602 with a base 1603 with a body 1604 and a top frame1605 designed to receive and fit snuggly around the mobile barcodescanner gun system with mobile tablet device 1621. Preferably, the topframe 1605 includes two finger slot recessions 1609 on each side of along edge 1608 of the upper housing assembly 1601 to provide quick andeasy removal of the mobile barcode scanner gun system with mobile tabletdevice 1621. A pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pin connector havinga housing 1631 is integrated with a secondary printed circuit board(PCB1) 1631, located within the base 1603 of the tablet cradle enclosure1602. Preferably the pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pin connectorhousing 1631 is a twenty (20) pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pinconnector.

A pair of magnets is preferably integrated on ends of the pin electrical(spring loaded) pogo pin connector housing of the upper housingassembly, with a mating pair of magnetic slugs installed in matchinglocations on ends of the upper receiver of the mobile barcode scannergun system or stand-alone mobile tablet 1621. The upper housing assemblypreferably further comprises a payment processing slot 1670 adapted toalign a magnetic stripe reader (MSR) 1622′ on the mobile barcode scannergun system or stand-alone mobile tablet 1621 to operate while docked inthe POS docking station. These components are adapted to allow a paymentcard to pass through the MSR installed within the mobile barcode scannergun system or stand-alone mobile tablet without restriction. Preferably,the upper housing assembly further comprises a barcode scanner opening(button actuator shown at 1624, FIG. 19) adapted to align with a barcodescanner installed on the mobile barcode scanner gun system 1620 tablet1621/or stand-alone mobile tablet to properly operate the barcodescanner while the mobile barcode scanner gun system or stand-alonemobile tablet is docked in the POS docking station through use of thebarcode scanner switch located on the base housing assembly.

A base housing assembly 1650 comprises a top portion 1651 with anintegrated scanner activation button 1685 for use with a barcode scannerintegrated with the mobile barcode scanner gun system with mobile tabletdevice when docked in the POS docking station. A base mounting plate1652 is adapted for attachment to an under cabinet mounting system toprovide security and stability to the point of sale (POS) dockingstation. Preferably the base housing assembly further comprises adetachable rear port cover 1653 for access within the housing. A primaryprinted circuit board (PCB2) 1660 is located on the base mounting plateoperable with at least one USB, Ethernet, debugging Serial ports, scanswitch interface and an external power supply port. The top portion 1651further includes a tilting and rotational mechanism 1655 that connectsthe base housing assembly 1650 to the upper housing assembly 1601.Wiring harness 1690 is provided.

The upper housing assembly further preferably includes an extended tabletop/table top extension 1606 extending from and surrounding the tabletcradle enclosure 1602. The extended table top 1606 extends flush fromthe top frame/bracket 1605 of the table cradle enclosure 1602. It isadapted to provide additional hand support and comfort for a user and amore thorough look of integration. Preferably, the table top extension1606 completely surrounds a top bracket/frame 1605 of the tablet cradleenclosure. As constructed, the table top extension 1606 provides anenhanced surface area for the user to rest his/her hands, and providesan ergonomically constructed device. Preferably, the table top extension1606 has a length ranging from one inch to six inches.

FIG. 20 shows a side plan view of an embodiment of the docking stationdevice. FIG. 21 shows a front plan view of an embodiment of the dockingstation device of FIG. 20. Referring to FIGS. 20-21, the point of sale(POS) docking station 2000 is adapted to receive a mobile scanner gunsystem with mobile tablet device 2020 (or stand-alone mobile tablet)having an upper receiver 2022 for processing a retail store POS salestransaction. The docking station 2000 has an upper housing assembly 2001constructed having a tablet cradle enclosure 2002. A pin electrical(spring loaded) pogo pin connector having a housing 2031 is integratedwith a secondary printed circuit board (PCB1). A base housing assembly2050 includes a tilting and rotational mechanism 2055 that connects thebase housing assembly 2050 to the upper housing assembly 2001.

FIG. 22 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the docking stationdevice wherein no case is provided. In this embodiment, the point ofsale (POS) docking station is adapted to receive a mobile scanner gunsystem 2220 with mobile tablet device as described herein. The dockingstation has an upper housing assembly 2201 constructed having a tabletcradle enclosure 2202. A base housing assembly 2250 includes a tiltingand rotational mechanism 2255 that connects the base housing assembly2250 to the upper housing assembly 2201.

The POS Docking Station is especially suited for a Wi-Fi and wirelesscellular mobile scanner gun system running a real-time store levelinventory management suite of applications, StoreMobileRF™, connecteddirectly to the corporate ERP system and running a POS application,StoreMS Mobile™, connected directly to the POS store systems server, forcustomer purchases throughout the retail store and well beyond itswalls. There is a need in the art for the subject POS Docking Station asit has been surprisingly and unexpectedly found that when servingcustomers with the Tablet Gun/mobile scanner gun systems or stand-alonemobile tablet devices, handling the merchandise poses difficulties inthat holding the devices can be cumbersome. The solution for thisunexpected problem has resulted in a surprising combination of a numberof necessary functions into the subject POS docking station. The subjectresultant docking station has a number of unique attributes that, incombination, serve a variety of purposes. Operational features include:i) charging the Tablet Gun; ii) providing “hands free” operation of theTablet Gun (effectively a workstation); iii) providing 3 secondaryEthernet connections for peripheral devices such as a receipt printer,payment card pin pad, third party loyalty card devices, etc. iv)providing a primary Ethernet connection between the Tablet Gun and thestore network, wherein the Ethernet switch will therefore have 5 ports:1 internal port and 4 external ports; v) providing a 2 port powered USBhub for peripheral hardware such an external barcode scanner and a cashdrawer; vi) providing a scanner trigger/button on the housing of theDocking Station as a parallel trigger for operation while the Tablet Gunis docked; vii) providing Drop in/Pull out docking for the Tablet Gun.Providing seamless operation when moving from a “docked” condition to an“undocked” condition, in that no physical connections need to be“disconnected”. Providing a mechanism wherein gravity establishes thespring loaded pin connection to the underside of the Upper Receiver.

The mobile scanner gun appointed to be housed within the subject POSdocking station comprises a main body portion extending toward a handleportion. The main body portion has a base, side walls, a front wall anda back wall constructed to form an interior cavity, wherein the frontwall includes an aperture with a lens recessed therein. The front wallhas a trigger member located near the base of the main body. A USBbarcode scanner input device is mounted above and in front of thetrigger. The scanner has two drivers, including 1) a native devicedriver and 2) a keyboard input driver, the barcode scanner input deviceis in communication with the trigger for initiating a scan of a barcode.A USB MSR input device, EMV reader input device and NFC reader input areintegrated within the upper receiver of the mobile scanner gun systemand communicates with the mobile tablet device for carrying out andprocessing a sales transaction, the MSR, EMV reader and NFC reader beingend to end encrypted through to a PCI certified bank card processor. Thetop wall of the main body portion includes an attachment meanscomprising a base mount universal receiver with rotational couplingadapted to interchangeably mount and communicate through a specializeduniversal serial bus wiring harness with the mobile device having asystem integrated therein that enables store level real-time inventorymanagement and a fully functioning POS capability for sellingmerchandise in a retail sales environment and global inventorymanagement. The base mount universal receiver with rotational couplingenables the mobile tablet device to be viewed in both portrait mode andlandscape mode without operational delay of the system.

The mobile scanner gun system used for transacting customer sales in aretail store through a mobile POS application further comprises apreviously programmed electrically erasable programmable read onlymemory (EEPROM) controlling all actions of the USB scanner input deviceand the scan gun trigger for activating a barcode scan operation of anitem of interest for a customer by an employee of a retailestablishment. The barcode scan operation is adapted to cause the EEPROMof the main printed circuit board (Main PCB) to communicate with themobile tablet device, launching the application software to ready themobile tablet device for receiving a scanned barcode. The applicationcommunicates with the corporate ERP system to obtain detailedinformation for daily inventory management purposes including such tasksas physical inventory, cycle counting, inventory receiving, store tostore transfers, return to vendor and product re-ticketing. In operationand function, the customer purchases a product from any retail storeemployee having a mobile scanner gun system receiving full productdetails, price, electronic and physical coupons, promotions, andcustomer loyalty data and rewards available, and charges the purchase ina friendly, efficient, informative, and very mobile atmosphere withouthaving the need to bring the product to a central checkout station andwaiting in queue to check out.

The system, method, and devices used to practice the present inventionprovide a mobile scanner gun system with a mobile tablet deviceintegration capability therein adapted to be carried by one or moreemployees in a retail environment. In turn, the mobile tablet deviceintegration includes several free standing applications that are capableof linking the user to a central corporate ERP system and the POS storesystems server, which provides a system and method that executes dailyinventory management objectives and POS customer checkout transactions.Uniquely, the method and mobile tablet device provide the ability tocarry out daily inventory management functions for such tasks asphysical inventory, cycle counting, inventory receiving, store to storetransfers, return to vendor, product re-ticketing, and to operativelyidentify a product by its barcode, establish price, taxes, promotions,physical and electronic coupons and customer loyalty data and rewardsavailable and process the sale of merchandise to a customer, regardlessof the location of the inventory within the retail chain. From withinthe POS transaction, if the inventory is unavailable in the store, thesold inventory can be transferred from the warehouse, another store orspecial ordered from the vendor and made available at any store forcustomer pickup or shipped to a customer location. In the case theinventory is unavailable, once the transaction is completed on themobile scanner gun system, the item and quantity of the selectedfulfillment location is allocated within the central corporate ERPsystem.

The mobile scanner gun system has a mobile tablet device attached to apistol grip base housing and connected thereto through a base mountuniversal receiver with rotational coupling. The upper receiver of themobile scanner gun system has a USB MSR input device mounted on one edgeof the mobile tablet device and the barcode scanner is incorporatedwithin the pistol grip base, the scanner being operable by pressing atrigger provided in the mobile scanner gun.

The mobile tablet device is encased in a hardened case/shell designed toprotect the device against drops and damage. The mobile tablet deviceincludes software readable from the integrated system and method andincludes several mobile applications selected for operation through thetouch of an application icon. The mobile scanner gun system mobileapplications have functionality to communicate wirelessly with a POSstore systems server that is present within the store, a remote backupPOS store systems server centrally located and the corporate ERP systemthrough Wi-Fi and wireless cellular communication and secured usingstandard Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected Access II(WPA2) wireless encryption methods. The application has functionality toorder an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)present within the Main PCB located in the mobile tablet device upperreceiver to conduct various functions and this directive is sent throughthe specialized universal serial bus wiring harness. The communicationbetween the USB barcode scanner and MSR and the mobile tablet deviceoccurs back and forth, through the EEPROM, depending on the applicationfunction in operation.

The EEPROM of the Main PCB carries a programmed instruction set andworks in conjunction with the mobile applications of the mobile tabletdevice. For example, if the barcode scan gun trigger of the device ispressed by the retail store employee according to the interest of acustomer, this event is detected by the EEPROM of the Main PCB and iscommunicated to the mobile application within the mobile tablet device.The EEPROM interprets and parses the barcode read and formats it in amanner that is readily recognized by the mobile application. The mobileapplication communicates with the POS store systems server to obtain thedetails of the product scanned, its selling price, any physical andelectronic coupons, promotions, and customer loyalty data and rewardsavailable and the available inventory of the product chain-wide,including the warehouse. The mobile tablet device displays the entiredata on the screen and the retail store employee may discuss thesedetails to the customer allowing the customer to make a purchasedecision. Optionally, the POS store systems server may suggest othersimilar products with enhanced functionality, reduced selling price andthe like. Accordingly, the customer may view similar products and reviewproduct details to come to a purchase decision. Optionally, if the itemis not available in the current store's inventory, the employee maysuggest the item be shipped from the warehouse or another store withinthe chain.

When the customer reaches a purchase decision of a product displayed onthe mobile tablet device screen, the employee of the store selects anapplication icon to invoke the mobile POS application. If shipping isrequired, the customer provides the customer name, address, contacttelephone number, and email address if they are not already in thecustomer loyalty database. The customer provides a payment card to theretail store employee which is swiped in the MSR slot of the inputdevice. “Payment Card” as used herein includes the proliferation of bankcards having magnetic track data, including credit cards and debitcards, retailer charge cards, gift cards, etc. The MSR track data isencrypted using industry standard Triple DES with DUKPT by the MSRreader before the data is transferred to the mobile POS application. Theemployee allows the customer to sign their name on the device tovalidate the sale and then the information received from the customer issecurely transferred by wireless communication to the POS store systemsserver, which processes the payment card purchase by contacting the bankcard processor via a PCI certified network. Upon receiving creditauthorization of the purchase, the mobile tablet device of the mobilescanner gun system displays information that the purchase is completeand the employee bags the purchased merchandise and delivers it to thecustomer. The POS store systems server updates the corporate ERP system,adjusting the inventory on-hand of the merchandise sold, thus the updatebecomes visible chain-wide. The POS store systems server sends an emailof the receipt to the customer's email address, which may be readilyviewed in a smart phone carried by the customer. If desired, a hard copyof the receipt for the purchase is printed on a local printer within theretail establishment via the store's local network.

With this system, the customer does not have to bring the merchandise toa central check out location. The purchase operation is conducted at thepoint-of-sale by a retail store employee carrying a mobile scanner gunsystem and has up to date information concerning product inventory ofany item in their retail location or chain-wide, along with currentdetails, physical and electronic coupons, promotions and customerloyalty data and rewards available.

The following paragraph details the elements, which collectively enableoperation of the system as detailed hereinabove. The mobile tabletdevice of the mobile scanner gun system preferably comprises acustom-developed, industry hardened mobile tablet device utilizing aspecialized universal serial bus wiring harness to communicate with USBdevices such as MSRs and barcode scanners/readers. Various operatingsystems, such as those associated with the trade name Android (Google),iOS (Apple), and Windows (Microsoft) are contemplated. The mobile tabletdevice has custom programmed mobile applications on the Androidplatform. The mobile tablet device (upper receiver) is rotatablyconnected to several base housing concepts, each with a USB scannerinput device integrated into the base. The rotational coupling permitschanging the orientation of the mobile tablet device in the portraitmode or in the landscape mode of the mobile tablet device displayscreen. The upper receiver has an industry standard USB MSR input deviceand EMV reader input device integrated along the short edge of themobile tablet device for easy access by the user regardless of whichbase housing is selected for use. Further, a NFC reader input device hasbeen integrated within the casing of the Upper Receiver in such aposition that it allows an NFC smartphone or chip embedded payment cardto communicate with it simply by waving or tapping the smartphone orchip embedded payment card over or on the upper receiver. A key featureof the invention is an electrically erasable programmable read onlymemory (EEPROM) that has a previously programmed instruction set presentwithin the Main PCB. The EEPROM of the Main PCB is connected to themobile tablet device and can process the command issued by the mobileapplication to instruct either the barcode scanner or the MSR to acquirerequired data. The EEPROM of the Main PCB organizes the data in properformat and delivers it to the mobile tablet device through thespecialized universal serial bus wiring harness. Due to the use of theEEPROM, which can process barcode and payment card information, theattached mobile tablet device can perform secure distributed saleswithin a retail establishment. Each of the employees of the retailestablishment knows instantaneously the inventory of any particular itemchain-wide, the barcode of an item that is scanned along with its priceas well as discounts, electronic and physical coupons, promotions, andcustomer loyalty data and rewards available. Thus a customer may look atseveral product items and ask the employee of the retail organization toknow its price, details concerning the item, and any promotion that isavailable, including customer loyalty rewards. This provides a pleasant,informative interaction between the customer and the employee of theretail organization, establishing one-on-one, face-to-face relationship,which is appreciated by the customer and results in an improved salesenvironment.

In its preferred embodiment, the mobile scanner gun system of thepresent invention comprises:

i) a mobile tablet device having Wi-Fi cellular communicative capabilitywith the POS store systems server, attached to a pistol gun base housingthrough a base mount universal receiver with rotational coupling,forming a mobile scanner gun system carried by an employee in a retailstore;

ii) the mobile tablet device having application software capable ofcommanding an electrically erasable programmable read only memory(EEPROM) present on the Main PCB to acquire barcode scan or obtainpayment card information from a swiped payment card;

iii) the USB barcode scanner input device having a gun trigger foractivating a scan operation by an employee of a retail establishment, atwhich point the EEPROM of the Main PCB communicates with the mobiletablet device, launching the application software to get the mobiletablet device ready for received barcode;

iv) the mobile POS application software communicating with the POS storesystems server and corporate ERP system to obtain detailed informationof the product scanned, its inventory, selling price, electronic andphysical coupons, promotions, and customer loyalty data and rewardsavailable;

v) the employee of the retail establishment communicating to a customerthe description, price, electronic and physical coupons, promotion data,and customer loyalty data and rewards of each item scanned;

vi) the customer deciding to purchase the item and the employeeaccessing a POS transaction routine of the mobile POS applicationsoftware, entering customer name, address and e-mail address if needed,and swiping customer data, and the EEPROM communicating formattedcustomer data securely to the POS store systems server;

vii) the POS store systems server contacting a bank card processor forauthorization of the purchase and communicating to the mobile tabletdevice that the customer has purchased the scanned merchandise;

viii) the POS store systems server that communicates with the corporateERP system to adjust the product inventory to become visible chain-wide,sending a receipt to the e-mail address of the customer and/or printinga hard copy of the transaction on a store network printer;

ix) the mobile tablet device being operative, in the event that theauthorization is denied, to inform the employee of this credit denial,so that the customer is informed, and can provide alternative payment;

whereby the customer purchases a product from any retail store employeehaving a mobile scanner gun system receiving full product details,price, electronic or physical coupons, promotions and customer loyaltydata and rewards and tenders the transaction in a friendly atmospherewithout having any need to bring the product to a central checkoutstation and waiting in queue to check out.

Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will beunderstood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but thatadditional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to oneskilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention asdefined by the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A point of sale (POS) docking station for amobile scanner gun system with mobile tablet device having an upperreceiver for processing a retail store POS sales transactions,comprising: a. an upper housing assembly adapted to house the mobilebarcode scanner gun system in a “cradle fashion”, comprising: i. atablet cradle enclosure having a base designed to receive and fitsnuggly around the mobile barcode scanner gun system with mobile tabletdevice providing stability and a look of integration; ii. a pinelectrical (spring loaded) pogo pin connector having a housingintegrated with a secondary printed circuit board (PCB1), located withinthe base of the tablet cradle enclosure; iii. electronic coupling to theupper receiver of the mobile barcode scanner gun system with mobiletablet device; b. a base housing assembly comprising: i. a top portionwith an integrated scanner activation button for use with a barcodescanner integrated with the mobile barcode scanner gun system withmobile tablet device when docked in the POS docking station; ii. a basemounting plate adapted for attachment to an under cabinet mountingsystem to provide security and stability to the point of sale (POS)docking station; iii. a primary printed circuit board (PCB2) located onthe base mounting plate operable with at least one USB, Ethernet,debugging Serial ports, scan switch interface and an external powersupply port; iv. the top portion further comprising a tilting androtational mechanism that connects the base housing assembly to theupper housing assembly, the tilting mechanism and rotational mechanismbeing adapted to allow the upper housing assembly to rotate and tilt“toward” or “away” from a user throughout its rotation allowing the userproper viewing orientation of the POS docking station from any position;c. the secondary printed circuit board (PCB1) being connected to theprimary printed circuit board (PCB2) through a custom interface cableoperable to facilitate electrical connection between the POS dockingstation and the mobile barcode scanner gun system with mobile tabletdevice; wherein USB, Ethernet, debugging Serial ports, scan switchinterface and power supply port housed within the base housing assemblyare fully operable to the mobile barcode scanner gun system with mobiletablet device and can be connected to a variety of POS peripheraldevices and other store systems peripheral devices.
 2. The point of sale(POS) docking station as recited by claim 1, wherein the upper housingassembly further comprises an extended table top extending from andsurrounding the tablet cradle enclosure, extending flush from the tablecradle enclosure, and being adapted to provide additional hand supportand comfort for a user and a more thorough look of integration.
 3. Thepoint of sale (POS) docking station as recited by claim 2, wherein thetable top extension completely surrounds a top bracket of the tabletcradle enclosure.
 4. The point of sale (POS) docking station as recitedby claim 2, wherein the table top extension has a length ranging fromone inch to six inches.
 5. The point of sale (POS) docking station asrecited by claim 1, wherein the base housing assembly further comprisesa detachable rear port cover.
 6. The point of sale (POS) docking stationas recited by claim 1 comprising two finger slot recessions on each sideof a long edge of the upper housing assembly adapted to provide quickand easy removal of the mobile barcode scanner gun system with mobiletablet device.
 7. The point of sale (POS) docking station as recited byclaim 1, wherein the pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pin connectoris a twenty (20) pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pin connector. 8.The point of sale (POS) docking station as recited by claim 1, whereinthe upper housing assembly further comprises a pair of magnetsintegrated on ends of the pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pinconnector housing of the upper housing assembly, and mating pair ofmagnetic slugs installed in matching locations on ends of the upperreceiver of the mobile barcode scanner gun system.
 9. The point of sale(POS) docking station as recited by claim 1, wherein the upper housingassembly further comprises a payment processing slot adapted to align amagnetic stripe reader (MSR) and an EMV reader on the mobile barcodescanner gun system to operate while docked in the POS docking stationadapted to allow a payment card to pass through the MSR or EMV readerinstalled within the mobile barcode scanner gun system withoutrestriction.
 10. The point of sale (POS) docking station as recited byclaim 1, wherein the upper housing assembly further comprises a barcodescanner opening adapted to align with a barcode scanner installed on themobile barcode scanner gun system to properly operate the barcodescanner while the mobile barcode scanner gun system is docked in the POSdocking station through use of the barcode scanner switch located on thebase housing assembly.
 11. The point of sale (POS) docking station asrecited by claim 1, wherein the upper housing assembly ranges from fiveinches in diagonal size to fifteen inches in diagonal size.
 12. Thepoint of sale (POS) docking station as recited by claim 1, wherein theprimary printed circuit board (PCB2) located on the bade mounting plateis operable with at least one USB, Ethernet, debugging Serial port,Micro USB debug port, Micro USB MSR programming port, scan switchinterface and external power supply connector.
 13. The point of sale(POS) docking station as recited by claim 1, wherein the point of sale(POS) docking station is operable with USB and Ethernet receipt printerswith attached cash drawers, USB Barcode Scanners, USB and EthernetPayment Terminals, USB and Ethernet Weighted Scales, USB and EthernetCoupon Printers.
 14. The point of sale (POS) docking station as recitedby claim 1, wherein the primary printed circuit board (PCB2) manages a10/100 Ethernet switch with 4 ports, a USB 2.0 switch with 4 ports, anRS-232 Serial debug port, a Micro USB debug port, a Micro USB MSRprogramming port, the scan switch interface and the external powersupply connector.
 15. The point of sale (POS) docking station as recitedby claim 1, wherein the tilting and rotational mechanism has a rotationof 360 degrees and tilts 90 degrees “toward” or “away” from the userthroughout its 360 degree rotation.
 16. The point of sale (POS) dockingstation as recited by claim 1, wherein the mobile barcode scanner gunsystem with mobile tablet device comprises: a. a main body portionextending toward a handle portion, the main body portion having a base,side walls, a front wall and a back wall constructed to form an interiorcavity, wherein the front wall includes an aperture with a lens recessedtherein; b. the front wall having a trigger member located near the baseof the main body; c. a USB scanner input device mounted above and infront of the trigger, the scanner input device having two drivers,including 1) a native device driver and 2) a keyboard input driver, thescanner input device being in communication with the trigger forinitiating a scan of a barcode; d. a USB MSR input device for carryingout and processing sales transaction is located on the upper receiveralongside the short edge of the mobile tablet device and directly abovethe scanner, the MSR being end to end encrypted through to the bank cardauthorization processor for PCI compliance requirements; e. the top wallof the main body portion having a rotating attachment means comprising abase mount universal receiver with rotational coupling means adapted tointerchangeably mount and communicate through a specialized universalserial bus wiring harness with the mobile tablet device having a systemintegrated therein that enables store level real-time inventorymanagement and a fully functioning POS capability for sellingmerchandise in a retail sales environment; f. the base mount universalreceiver with rotational coupling means for conversion of the mobiletablet device from portrait mode to landscape mode without operationaldelay of the system.
 17. A point of sale (POS) docking station for astand-alone mobile tablet appointed for processing a retail store POSsales transactions, comprising: a. an upper housing table cradleassembly adapted to house the stand-alone mobile tablet, comprising: i.a tablet cradle enclosure having a base designed to receive and fitsnuggly around the stand-alone mobile tablet providing stability and alook of integration; ii. a pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pinconnector having a housing integrated with a secondary printed circuitboard (PCB1), located within the base of the tablet cradle enclosure;iii. electronic coupling to the upper receiver of the stand-alone mobiletablet; b. a base housing assembly comprising: i. a base mounting plateadapted for attachment to an under cabinet mounting system to providesecurity and stability to the point of sale (POS) docking station; ii. aprimary printed circuit board (PCB2) located on the base mounting plateoperable with at least one USB, Ethernet, debugging Serial ports, scanswitch interface and an external power supply port; iii. a top portionfurther comprising a tilting and rotational mechanism that connects thebase housing assembly to the upper housing assembly, the tiltingmechanism and rotational mechanism being adapted to allow the upperhousing assembly to rotate and tilt “toward” or “away” from a userthroughout its rotation allowing the user proper viewing orientation ofthe POS docking station from any position; c. the secondary printedcircuit board (PCB1) being connected to the primary printed circuitboard (PCB2) through a custom interface cable operable to facilitateelectrical connection between the POS docking station and thestand-alone mobile tablet; wherein USB, Ethernet, debugging Serialports, scan switch interface and power supply port housed within thebase housing assembly are fully operable to the stand-alone mobiletablet and can be connected to a variety of POS peripheral devices andother store systems peripheral devices.
 18. The point of sale (POS)docking station as recited by claim 17 comprising an extended table topextending from and surrounding the tablet cradle enclosure, extendingflush from the table cradle enclosure, and being adapted to provideadditional hand support and comfort for a user and a more thorough lookof integration.
 19. The point of sale (POS) docking station as recitedby claim 17, wherein the table top extension completely surrounds a topbracket of the tablet cradle enclosure.
 20. The point of sale (POS)docking station as recited by claim 17, wherein the table top extensionhas a length ranging from one inch to six inches.
 21. The point of sale(POS) docking station as recited by claim 17, wherein the upper housingassembly ranges from five inches in diagonal size to fifteen inches indiagonal size.
 22. The point of sale (POS) docking station as recited byclaim 17 comprising a secondary “tilting” feature located at a point ofintegration between the stand-alone mobile tablet and the upper housingassembly allowing for the stand-alone mobile tablet itself to tiltninety degrees down “toward” the user or “away” from the user on asecondary tilting armature.
 23. The point of sale (PUS) docking stationas recited by claim 17, wherein the base housing assembly's top portionfurther comprises an integrated scanner activation button for use with abarcode scanner integrated with the stand-alone mobile tablet whendocked in the POS docking station.
 24. The point of sale (POS) dockingstation as recited by claim 17, wherein the base housing assemblyfurther comprises a detachable rear port cover.
 25. The point of sale(POS) docking station as recited by claim 17, wherein said mobile tabletcomprises a USB scanner, MSR, and Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV)processing devices, Near field communications (NFC).
 26. The point ofsale (POS) docking station as recited by claim 17 comprising two fingerslot recessions on each side of a long edge of the upper housingassembly adapted to provide quick and easy removal of the mobile tabletdevice.
 27. The point of sale (POS) docking station as recited by claim17, wherein the pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pin connector is atwenty (20) pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pin connector.
 28. Thepoint of sale (POS) docking station as recited by claim 17, wherein theupper housing assembly further comprises a pair of magnets integrated onends of the pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pin connector housing ofthe upper housing assembly, and mating pair of magnetic slugs installedin matching locations on ends of the upper receiver of the stand-alonemobile tablet.
 29. The point of sale (POS) docking station as recited byclaim 17, wherein the upper housing assembly further comprises a paymentprocessing slot adapted to align a magnetic stripe reader (MSR) and anEMV reader on the stand-alone mobile tablet to operate while docked inthe POS docking station adapted to allow a payment card to pass throughthe MSR or EMV reader installed within the stand-alone mobile tabletwithout restriction.
 30. The point of sale (POS) docking station asrecited by claim 17, wherein the upper housing assembly furthercomprises a barcode scanner opening adapted to align with a barcodescanner installed on the stand-alone mobile tablet to properly operatethe barcode scanner while the stand-alone mobile tablet is docked in thePOS docking station through use of the barcode scanner switch located onthe base housing assembly.
 31. The point of sale (POS) docking stationas recited by claim 17, wherein the primary printed circuit board (PCB2)located on the base mounting plate is operable with at least one USB,Ethernet, debugging Serial port, Micro USB debug port, Micro USB MSRprogramming port, scan switch interface and external power supplyconnector.
 32. The point of sale (POS) docking station as recited byclaim 17, wherein the point of sale (POS) docking station is operablewith USB and Ethernet receipt printers with attached cash drawers, USBBarcode Scanners, USB and Ethernet Payment Terminals, USB and EthernetWeighted Scales, USB and Ethernet Coupon Printers.
 33. The point of sale(POS) docking station as recited by claim 17, wherein the tilting androtational mechanism has a rotation of 360 degrees and tilts 90 degrees“toward” or “away” from the user throughout its 360 degree rotation. 34.A point of sale (POS) docking station for a mobile tablet device havingan upper receiver for processing a retail store POS sales transactions,comprising: a. an upper housing assembly adapted to house the mobilebarcode scanner gun system in a “cradle fashion”, comprising: i. atablet cradle enclosure having a base designed to receive and fitsnuggly around the mobile tablet providing stability and a look ofintegration; ii. a pin electrical (spring loaded) pogo pin connectorhaving a housing integrated with a secondary printed circuit board(PCB1), located within the base of the tablet cradle enclosure; iii.electronic coupling to the upper receiver of the mobile tablet; b. abase housing assembly comprising: i. a primary printed circuit board(PCB2) located on the base mounting plate operable with at least oneUSB, Ethernet, debugging Serial ports, scan switch interface and anexternal power supply port; ii. a top portion comprising a tilting androtational mechanism that connects the base housing assembly to theupper housing assembly, the tilting mechanism and rotational mechanismbeing adapted to allow the upper housing assembly to rotate and tilt“toward” or “away” from a user throughout its rotation allowing the userproper viewing orientation of the POS docking station from any position;c. the secondary printed circuit board (PCB1) being connected to theprimary printed circuit board (PCB2) through a custom interface cableoperable to facilitate electrical connection between the POS dockingstation and the stand-alone mobile tablet; wherein USB, Ethernet,debugging Serial ports, scan switch interface and power supply porthoused within the base housing assembly are fully operable to thestand-alone mobile tablet and can be connected to a variety of POSperipheral devices and other store systems peripheral devices.